Hi I just bought an 04 ranger v6 4.0 4x4. It's got 175k on it. I've changed the oil, planning on doing the Trans filter and fluid flush and differential fluid flush. Which fluids are recommended for Trans and rear diff? Also the engine is ticking. Sounds like valves. Any recommendations or procedures on how to address it? Is there any other maintenance I should do as well? Thanks in advance!

 

You can get owners manual here: 2004 Ford Ranger Owner?s Manual & Maintenance Guides | Official Ford Owner Site

I think the 2004 4.0l SOHC was past the timing chain issues that plagued earlier 4.0l SOHC engines, 1997-2002, and that was usually described as a rattle more than a tick.

Just FYI Rangers had 4.0l OHV engines from 1990 to 2000, in 2001 Rangers got the 4.0l SOHC, it is a completely different engine than the OHV.

SOHC does use rockers so valve train noise is possible, but not like it is on OHV engine using lifters.
Ticking could be a fuel injector, they can be quite loud.
If you get a small diameter hose you can use it like a stethoscope to check each injector while engine is idling.

Also with engine cold, loosen serpentine belt, remove it from crank pulley, and start engine, you can run cold engine for a few minutes without water pump.
This will do two things, first if noise was coming from an accessory pulley it will be gone now, so you will know where to look.
Second, it will be much quieter in the engine bay without fan spinning, so you may be able to localize ticking noise.

 

Thank you for the info. If I can pinpoint it to the injectors, do I have to replace them or are they naturally loud? The ticking is fairly loud itself, I can here it while driving. If it was the lifters/valves does that mean they need to be replaced? The previous owner said that the sound just developed maybe in the last 200 miles before I purchased it and I've put less that 50 miles on it so far.

 

If you can hear it while driving then it is not a normal injector tick.

It looks like you can service the rockers with just valve covers off, but concern would be if cam lobe has worn down causing the ticking.

Previous owner has every reason to lie about a noise, so "grain of salt" with that "noise just started" statement.
It could have just started getting louder which meant time to sell.

Ford Dealers offer used vehicle inspections, not sure of the price, I would think under $150.
Might be worth it for a Ford mechanic to have a listen and also check if there are any other issues that should be addressed.

 

Thanks again for the quick response! The ticking Is right at the top of the engine and from inside its really faint. If it's the rocker, how would you service it, just adjust or completely replace? Also, is this very complicated or fairly simple to do? Any info or diagrams on how to do this correctly?

 

There's no adjustments you can make to the SOHC valve train. I suppose it's possible you may have a collapsed hydraulic lifter causing a "ticking" sound.

If you get a Chilton's or Haynes manual you can see how the SOHC valve train operates.